Papua New Guinea Fertility Rate
Total fertility rate SP.DYN.TFRT.IN
Papua New Guinea's fertility rate was 2.99 in 2025, ranked 55th globally. This represents a 3.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Papua New Guinea's fertility rate stood at 2.99 in 2025, a decline of +0.11 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.99 by 2025. Papua New Guinea ranked 55th globally.
Papua New Guinea's fertility rate has significantly declined over the past six decades, from a peak of 6.26 in 1969 to 2.99 in 2025, marking a substantial reduction in the average number of children per woman. This downward trend is consistent with global patterns observed in many developing countries, including peer nation Tonga, which boasts a slightly higher fertility rate of 3.06. The downward trajectory is a reflection of improved access to education, family planning resources, and economic opportunities for women, enabling them to delay or forgo childbearing. The World Bank data indicates that Papua New Guinea's fertility rate has been steadily decreasing, with a notable drop from 5.54 in 1980 to the current rate of 2.99. As the country continues to develop and urbanize, there is a likelihood that fertility rates will continue to decline, potentially leading to an aging population and associated demographic challenges, unless there is a significant shift in government policies or cultural attitudes towards family planning.
Data & projection
| Year | Fertility Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 2.94 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.99 | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.99 | −0.11 | #55 |
| 2023 | 3.10 | −0.07 | #163 |
| 2022 | 3.17 | −0.05 | #163 |
| 2021 | 3.22 | −0.06 | #163 |
| 2020 | 3.27 | −0.05 | #166 |
| 2019 | 3.32 | −0.06 | #166 |
| 2018 | 3.38 | −0.05 | #167 |
| 2017 | 3.43 | −0.06 | #167 |
| 2016 | 3.50 | −0.06 | #166 |
| 2015 | 3.56 | −0.07 | #166 |
| 2014 | 3.63 | −0.06 | #166 |
| 2013 | 3.68 | −0.06 | #166 |
| 2012 | 3.75 | −0.07 | #165 |
| 2011 | 3.82 | −0.07 | #165 |
| 2010 | 3.88 | −0.06 | #166 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Papua New Guinea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw fertility rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Papua New Guinea's fertility rate was 2.99 in 2025. Ranked 55th globally. This represents a 3.4% decrease from the previous year.
Papua New Guinea's fertility rate peaked at 6.26 in 1969.
The lowest fertility rate in Papua New Guinea was 2.99 in 2025.
Papua New Guinea ranks 55th globally in fertility rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.TFRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
Papua New Guinea's fertility rate is projected to reach 2.99 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fertility rate of Papua New Guinea in 2025 was 2.99. This ranks 55th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_papua-new-guinea_fertility-rate,
title = {Papua New Guinea Fertility Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/papua-new-guinea/fertility-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}